Accessory for footwear

ABSTRACT

An accessory for lace-up shoes, including a body with a containing part and an anchoring part, wherein a pocket of predetermined width is formed in the containing part and wherein the anchoring part is adapted to be anchored to a lace-up shoe, where the anchoring part is provided with stable but reversible anchoring to the lace of the shoe, such that the body can be anchored to the lace-up shoe by the lace only.

FIELD

The present invention relates to an accessory for footwear whose closure system involves the use of laces.

It is known that a traditional lace-up shoe has significant drawbacks related to the use of laces to close it. In fact, the excess of the shoelaces, that is the part of the shoelaces that remains loose after making a knot, being free to move, can annoy the user, get entangled, unfasten, get dirty and also easily deteriorate.

BACKGROUND

There are shoes on the market that have a pocket in the tongue of the upper suitable to receive the excess of the laces used to close the shoe.

US2016/0353842A1 discloses a shoe with a pocket for the laces fixed to the tongue of the upper.

One of the main drawbacks of footwear lies in the fact that said pocket is inside the tongue of the same upper, and therefore, incorporated into the shoe itself and not removable, which causes drawbacks both in terms of higher manufacturing costs and product reliability.

SUMMARY

The main object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

This result has been achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by adopting the idea of making a removable accessory for lace-up shoes having the characteristics indicated in claim 1. Other features of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

As further highlighted in the following description, the following advantages can be listed among the advantages offered by the present invention: versatility and adaptability, since it can be applied to any type of lace-up shoe without remaining irreversibly constrained to the shoe and without compromising its integrity, insofar as it is removable and can also be used in combination with additional closure systems, such as for example the so-called lace fasteners; the possibility to customize the accessory with logos, decorations, designs or badges etc., as well as the reproducibility in any color and in different shapes and materials also in order to make it more pleasant according to the particular shoe to which the accessory is applied. Further advantages of the present invention are found: in terms of hygiene, since the final part of the laces that is usually handled by the user, being contained in the pocket, does not come into contact with the ground, mud, snow, etc. as well as in terms of safety, since, for the same reason, the laces do not get caught shrubs and bushes, favoring their use by sportsmen, runners, trekking enthusiasts, hiking, trail running etc. ; in terms of durability ,since the use of this system to collect the laces allows to preserve their integrity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and further advantages and characteristics of the present invention will be better understood by each person skilled in the art from the description that follows and with the help of the attached drawings, given as a practical example of the invention, but not to be considered in a limiting sense, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the external surface of an accessory for footwear in accordance with the present invention in an open configuration;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the internal surface of an accessory for footwear in accordance with the present invention in an open configuration;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the accessory for footwear of FIGS. 1-2 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the accessory for footwear in combination with a system for closing the laces of the type comprising a lacing lock;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the accessory for footwear in combination with a system for closing the laces of the type comprising a lacing lock;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the accessory for footwear in combination with a system for closing the laces of the type comprising a lacing lock;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the accessory for footwear in combination with a system for closing the laces of the type comprising a lacing lock;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the accessory for footwear in combination with a system for closing the laces of the type comprising a lacing lock;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the accessory for footwear in combination with a system for closing the laces of the type comprising a lacing lock;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the external surface of the accessory for footwear according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a view from below of the external surface of the accessory for footwear according to the further embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a further embodiment of the accessory for footwear in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a further embodiment of the accessory for footwear in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a further embodiment of the accessory for footwear in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a further embodiment of the accessory for footwear in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a further embodiment of the accessory for footwear in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a further embodiment of the accessory for footwear in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an accessory in accordance with the present invention in a closed configuration and anchored to the shoe lace.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reduced to its essential structure and with reference to the attached drawings, an accessory for lace-up shoes in accordance with the present invention comprises a body (1) with a first part (1A) for containment of the excess of the shoelaces, and a second part (1B) which serves to secure said body (1) to the lace (L).

In said containment part (1A) of the body (1) a pocket (1T) is formed which is adapted to receive the excess of the lace inside it.

In the context of this description, excess of the laces means the part of the laces that remains loose after making a knot. The containment part (1A) of the body (1) in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the attached drawings, has a substantially trapezoidal shape seen from the above.

The second part (1B) of the body (1) is joined to the first part (1A). In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the said second part (1B) also has a substantially trapezoidal shape, but it is more elongated and narrower than the first part (1A). The parts (1A, 1B) are joined together at the respective major bases.

Said second part (1B) is adapted to constrain the body (1) to the laces (L) used for closing the shoe (C) thus performing the function of anchoring the body (1) to the shoe as further described below.

The anchoring part (1B) of the body (1), in the example shown in FIG. 1 of the attached drawings, has a stiffening surface (I), preferably made of plastic material, which facilitates its sliding under the lace (L) during the application of the accessory. Said stiffening surface is on the external side (11B) of the anchoring part (1B).

Both parts (1A, 1B) have an internal and an external side respectively indicated by references (10A, 11A, 10B, 11B) in FIGS. 1 and 2.

With reference to the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 on the internal side (10B) of the part (1B) there are coupling means, for example a first and a second Velcro strip (V1, V2) at a predetermined distance from each other. On the inner side (10A) of the part (1A) there is a third Velcro strip (V3). Furthermore, on the external side (11B) of the part (1B) there is a fourth Velcro strip (V4). Said Velcro strips (V1, V2, V3 and V4), anchored to each other, the first strip (V1) with the second strip (V2) and the third strip (V3) with the fourth strip (V4), allow the attachment of the accessory to the shoelaces as further described below.

The part (1B) of the body (1) is made to pass under a lace (L) of the shoe, and the internal side of the free end (F) of the part (1B) is folded on itself along the fold line (PB) so that the first Velcro strip (V1) comes into contact with the second Velcro strip (V2) thus providing a reversible connection of the accessory to the lace that remains between the Velcro strips (V1) and (V2) in correspondence of the fold line (PB).

A knot for closing the lace (L) of the shoe is made, which knot results above the body (1) and in correspondence of the fold line (PA). Once the knot has been made, the excess of the lace is inserted into the pocket (1T) provided by the containment part (1A) and the internal side (10A) of the part (1A) is folded on the internal side (11B) of the part (1B) of so that the third Velcro strip (V3) comes into contact with the fourth Velcro strip (V4), thus closing the accessory. FIG. 3 shows the accessory in a closed configuration.

FIGS. 4 to 9 illustrate a procedure which, in place of the knot, involves the use of a lace lock (BL) to lock the lace (L). For example, the lace lock (BL) can be of the type described in PCT/IT2019/050027.

It is understood that different systems for fastening the present invention to the laces can be used even without the use of Velcro strips, for example by using press-studs. In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the containment part (1A) of the body (1) consists of the internal surface of the body itself which forms the pocket (1T) to collect the excess of laces. In this case, the anchoring part (1B) of the body (1) consists of two holes (F) formed on the part (1A) and specular to each other, between which there is a slot (1S) which constitutes an access to the pocket (1T). Said holes (S) allow the anchoring of the body (1) to the shoelace through the passage of the shoelace in the holes themselves and subsequent closure through the creation of a knot, or through the aid of alternative locking systems, such as a lace lock as previously mentioned. FIGS. 12 to 17 illustrate a possible way of using the accessory represented in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. Also in this case, the internal pocket (1T) is used to receive a lace lock (BL) and the excess of the lace, i.e. the parts of the lace protruding from the lace lock.

In general, an accessory for lace-up shoes in accordance with the present invention is made of a relatively soft material, preferably a textile material such as fabric for example, to allow the excess of the laces to be inserted more easily into the pocket (1T).

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, an accessory for footwear provided with a lace closure system, comprises a body (1) with a containment part (1A) and an anchoring part (1B), wherein in the containment part (1A) a pocket (1T) of predetermined width is formed, wherein the anchoring part (1B) is shaped to be anchored to the shoe, and wherein said anchoring part is provided with anchoring means for its anchoring to the lace, such that said body (1) can be anchored to the shoe by means of the lace only. According to a construction method described above, said anchoring means consist of said second part (1B) which is an extension of the first part (1A) and can be folded over itself and around the lace.

In addition, said first part (1A) and second part (1B) can have a substantially trapezoidal shape and be joined to each other at the major bases.

As described above, said second part (1B) can be provided with joining means adapted for reversibly joining free portions of said first and second part to each other.

According to a further embodiment, the anchoring means can consist of a passage—for example formed by two through holes (S)—through which two different branches of the lace pass and which are formed on the sides of the pocket (1T). The pocket (1T) is of a size suitable to contain free portions of the lace and/or a lace lock.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 1, 9 and 18 on the external side of the first part (1A) there is a logo (“NBS”). It is understood that the invention is not limited to what is described and illustrated, but can be widely modified as regards the individual details, the nature and the disposition of the materials used without thereby departing from the scope of protection as defined by the attached claims. 

1-8. (canceled)
 9. An accessory for lace-up shoes, comprising: a body with a containing part and an anchoring part, wherein a pocket of predetermined width is formed in the containing part and wherein the anchoring part is adapted to be anchored to a lace-up shoe, wherein said anchoring part is provided with stable but reversible anchoring means to the lace of the shoe, such that the body can be anchored to the lace-up shoe by the lace only.
 10. The accessory for lace-up shoes according to claim 9, wherein said anchoring means comprise the anchoring part which is an extension of the containing part and is foldable on itself and around the lace.
 11. The accessory for lace-up shoes according to claim 10, wherein said containing part and said anchoring part have a substantially trapezoidal shape and are joined to one another at their larger bases.
 12. The accessory for lace-up shoes according to claim 10, wherein said anchoring part is provided with fastening means adapted to reversibly fasten free portions of said first and second parts to each other.
 13. The accessory for lace-up shoes according to claim 12, wherein said fastening means are of a hook and loop fastener type.
 14. The accessory for lace-up shoes according to claim 9, wherein said anchoring means comprise a passage through which two different branches of the lace pass and which are formed on the sides of said pocket.
 15. The accessory for lace-up shoes according to claim 9, wherein said pocket is adapted to contain free portions of the lace and/or a lace locking device.
 16. The accessory for lace-up shoes according to any claim 9, wherein said anchoring part is provided with a stiffening surface. 